65 years and still going strong

Ballito residents Cyril and Sylvie Hardy celebrated 65 years of marriage on Monday, June 1.

The couple have forged a lifetime of memories together and as they mark their diamond wedding anniversary, are just as in love as ever.

“The secret of our marriage is communication, love and humour, and being surrounded by a very loving family,” said Sylvie Hardy, who along with Cyril are overjoyed to be celebrating such a tremendous occasion and commemorating a life spent in love.

Cyril, who was born in Mauritius and moved to South Africa in 1944, when he was 19 years old, is now a seasoned 90 years old. His wife Sylvie is 89 and was born of Mauritian parents in Durban in 1926.

The couple were married in Durban on June 1, 1950 and after spending a few years at the Melville sugar mill, where Cyril was a fitter and turner before he pioneered his own sugar farm in the Shakaskraal district for more than 20 years.

After raising five healthy and happy children, the couple sold their farm and retired in Ballito, where they have been living for almost 42 years. Ever industrious, Cyril opened a manufacturing business which he operated for more than 40 years from Durban and Isithebe before selling it in 2001, but still runs a small retail business today.

With retirement being such hard work, Cyril and Sylvie enjoy playing bingo every Monday and Wednesday at Sibaya Casino.

“Sibaya is actually their second home, as they tend to spend much of their time there,” said their daughter, Anita Dixon-Wallace.

In addition to their five children, the happy couple have 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren to complete their large and loving family.